From the Editor

by Chris Stavroudis

As Mark Watters informed you, gentle readers, I have begun the
process of stepping aside as the WAAC Newsletter
Editor. This is my last issue as sole editor, the next will be
produced in co-editorship with the new Editor, Elizabeth C.
Welsh.

This issue is my ninth, that's three years, 250 some odd pages
(and a few normal pages too), and a good number of feature articles.
I'm very proud of the Newsletter and even more pleased
with the editorial changes that have taken place under my
stewardship. The responsibility for producing the Newsletter is now
distributed among numerous individuals--the dedicated team of Column
Editors. Each of whom has different perspectives, strengths, and
interests. I think the Newsletter, even more so than
before, reflects the spirit and uniqueness that is WAAC.

Do you agree with me? I don't know, and Liz cannot know, unless
you (all) take the time to fill out the WAAC Newsletter
Readership Survey, enclosed with this mailing. I have been meaning
to survey you for some time now, but the change in editorship is a
natural time to make changes in style, content, and format.

The decision to resign as Editor was not easy. While preparing
the Newsletter is no easy task, it is infinitely
rewarding. Personally, my writing skills have improved a whole
lot--just gobs and gobs and tons. I have enjoyed working with all
the WAAC Presidents (Benita Johnson, Roz Westmoreland, Debbie Evans,
Mark Watters, and Glenn Wharton), the former Editor, Caroline Black
Blydenburg, all the Members-at-Large and Secretary/Treasurers, the
Regional Reporters, the Column Editors, contributors to the
Newsletter, Victor and Gary at Printers Unlimited/Data-Boy, Joanne
Page (the ablest of copy editors), and Zora Pinney.

I remember when I took over the Newsletter from
Caroline. After my first issue appeared in her mail, she called me
and thanked me for allowing her to sleep more easily. She confessed
she had been having nightmares about the transition. Not that she
thought I wouldn't be able to produce the Newsletter
(that was my recurring nightmare) but that it would arrive printed
in four colors on glossy stock. Liz, may you succeed with flying
colors.